Staff – 60 dots
o Problem (on the whole) teachers are not learners. Need cultural change: Cannot be mandated – need strategy – teacher training selection – modeling, etc.
o Share excitement and celebrate success. Enthusiasm is contagious!
o Get rid of “pay-packet” teachers.
o More flexible delivery of PD to staff before/after/during school as well as online.
o Tech support staff – helping others through change.
o Negotiated collaborative planning.
o More really practical, hands-on, fun PD for staff.
o Teachers need to be encouraged/supported to try new things and to take risks.
o Computer centre support staff – awareness of needs of teachers – support and empathy.
o Sharing ideas/templates that worked with classes within faculties, across year levels.
o Work with critical few and gradually grow.
o Peer mentor model – work with the staff that will “fly” first. Have it filter through.
o Demonstrate existing uses and create a discussion.
o A “specific” learning plan for teachers to encourage or discourage the “feeling – it’s too hard” – reduce fear.
o Better use of meeting times – showcase – hands on.
o Use tools with techs for teacher communication etc. When staff are using tools themselves they begin to see uses.
o Inspirational leadership.
o Making PD available.
o Increase usage within communication between staff to give feedback.
o SLAV PD for all teachers not just teacher librarians.
o Make staff meetings less about housekeeping and more productive.
o Show staff the power of forming PLNs (assuming that they want to be lifelong learners).
o Facilitate connections for teachers – work with them to enact this with their class.
o Open teachers’ eyes to what it’s like to be a student today.
o Grouping of teachers in ways that those who “don’t know” can learn from those that “do know.”
o Remove the photocopiers for a week.
o Teachers who “create” should model for teachers who are “afraid” of changing their teacher practice.
o Staff need to be shown specific examples of how 21st century skills can be used in their teaching.
o Commitment from those who can use ICT to enhance learning, to sharing it with others.
o Develop a model – PBL Research.
o Trust model.
o Mentoring staff (those who are proficient assisting the new).
o A sense of workshops for students – staff introducing Web 2.0 tools – lunch time?
o Mentor programs school support teachers who are motivated and willing to make change.
o An understanding of why communication and collaboration are essential.
o Staff mentors – ICT support.
o Factor PD into the working day – have teachers allocated time together to learn new ways.
o Staff meeting support on a regular basis focusing on teaching technology and using technology.
o ICT coaches on staff that are teachers.
o Having ready support for staff with regards to software and IT.
o Individual staff ICT learning plans.
o Implementation of ICT goals for all staff.
o Mentor a staff member – pal up people with the aim of making inroads to change.
o Make it compulsory for teachers to have done a project every year – no fence sitting.
o First three student free days in government schools – one to be total immersion day in 21st century tools.
o Mentoring programs for willing and enthusiastic staff.
o Teachers sharing stories.
o Acknowledgement/appreciation of teachers who are out there trying things to improve the learning experience for their students.
o Educate staff about value of owning a reputable digital footprint.
o Web 2.0 sandpit idea – develop.
o Promotion of achievements so far through movie teacher concept at staff meetings.
o Investigating value of 21st century tools and promoting awareness of the value – interaction, sharing knowledge, wider audience.
o Teachers sharing practice, ideas, resources and classes.
o Introducing a share, show and tell section to meetings – all ported on blog – rotated through staff.
o Open reflection on practice and learning.
o Open source approach to resources and ideas.
o Individuals mentoring colleagues one-to-one.
o Educating staff with working examples.
o Reward teachers for innovation – money, time, kudos.
o Reward teachers for inservicing others – money, time, kudos.
o Accountability continuum of teacher practice.
o Providing access via number and means – email hardcopy interesting / stimulating articles / video present, etc.
o Demystify Web 2.0 in a user-friendly way.
o Innovative, inspiring (but practical) speakers who challenge schools/teachers.
o Demo of 20th century class. Demo of 21st century class – differences, similarities.
o Education – show reluctant teachers the power of ICT.
o Sharing in school – e.g. time in staff meetings.
o Small steps in implementation – run with one idea and expand on it later.
o Strategically attack key people in your school and bring them on board.
o PD in why we need to use these skills in classrooms.
o Start small and model what we want to happen – mentoring in school projects with deadlines.
o School (teachers and students) “Yellow Pages” – Who do I go to if I need help with Blogger, PictureTrail, animoto, etc.
o Informal PD with “buddy.”
o Teacher buddies – skilled teachers mixed with reluctants.
Curriculum – 47 dots
o Start small – have a focus of something to learn and then use – build.
o Mentoring/modeling team support for understanding pedagogy.
o Each faculty needs to demonstrate the application of new technology within their curriculum.
o Requirement of teachers to have certain skill level.
o Sharing of effective practices.
o Start with preschool and keep contacts open between primary and secondary.
o Make politicians listen to educators.
o Consider the end product needed. Stop letting the “curriculum” at the top dictate the work lower down.
o Integration of 21st century learning skills into the skills area of the new curriculum.
o Formalizing assessment – developing rubrics, incorporating 21st century tools competency into reporting.
o Remodel curriculum – start with one unit – teach it using new ideas/tools – fashion change for others.
o Staff project.
o Changing curriculum structures and measures.
o Focus on student-centered learning to assist technology and teacher.
o Having syllabi that promote collaboration.
o One unit each subject must be delivered using collaborative approaches.
o Ask school community for ideas and solutions, involve in conversation.
o Negotiation and collaboration in all curriculum documents.
o Curriculum values skills: Problem solving, collaboration, PLN, online…
o Set innovation and 21st century teacher as a top five priority in schools’ action plans.
o Set up a new school based on connectedness (Web 2.0 stuff) take a cohort to year 2 and smash all other schools in exam results.
o Whole school Web 2.0 project that’s meaningful – learn as you go.
o Online scaffolds built into learning activities.
o Solution – immersion days for year 7’s on various tools.
o Curriculum program area (CPA) plans.
o Use Web 2.0 tools in curriculum planning – integrate into what already happens.
o Whole year level planning.
Culture – 38 dots
o Encourage play.
o An openness by teachers and parents to change from “traditional” education.
o Don’t give up! Be consistent.
o Use existing knowledge – promote confidence – e.g. INTEL.
o Implementing strategies that “change the culture” holistically within a school.
o Publicize successful programmes within school / between schools.
o Support innovators in any possible way.
o Value creativity.
o Expectations of all teachers being learners – from the school admin and follow-up.
o Continue to evangelise.
o Develop a PD model that is flexible, well planned and has enough momentum to go across all subjects and highlight it as the most amazing thing ever!
o Work on developing a culture of “collective will.”
o Stop making separate classrooms.
o People who network should make their learning practice transparent.
o Change the focus of the school leadership to value these educational changes.
o Change culture to embed the use of ICT as a core principle of effective teachers not just a fad.
o Teachers sharing best practise.
o Allow for failures/problems as part of process.
o Lead by example! Model – Share – Reflect – Refine.
o A concerted approach from teachers to use ICT/Web 2.0 to bring their teaching into 21st century.
o Build a PLN.
o Too hard to change “them” – How do we make “them” “us” ? – us + us?
o I don’t know how to change the mindset of fellow staff.
o Be aware teachers are at different places with tech use: mentor each other, reassure.
o Provide a point for reflection support/acknowledgement of work done – e.g. ning.
o Accountability.
o PD
o Schools sharing projects.
o Problem: Real blockers or excuses? E.g. time, resources, too hard, tried it…We need to lower the bar for entry level e.g. 23 things, learning 2.0 type program.
o Support/encourage what is happening now – will happen.
o Willingness to explore, try, keep an open mind to new developments and directions.
o Give staff some time each week so they can be taught a web 2.0 tool.
o Presentations at staff meetings.
o Bringing in inspiring speakers/presenters who use Web tools as part of their teaching.
o Teachers moving away from lessons that focus on transmission learning (traditional). If they know it all then vary the strategy in order to create a student centered learning environment.
Administration – 31 dots
o A carefully developed Internet access policy which recognizes the educational value and need of some sites usually blocked.
o Admin to value teacher learning not costing it.
o Schools to value independent thinking skills in students and stop spoon-feeding for A’s.
o Admin offers support through action – time, money, talk…
o Doubling of ICT support staff.
o Support from admin in terms of time for mentoring.
o Free up curriculum.
o Paper free week.
o Set up structures shared by the enthusiastic, to ensure resources are maintained/organized for use. Use groups – share responsibilities rather than one person responsible for whole job.
o Open filtering and free Internet.
o Government gets on board to properly support technology in all schools.
o Infrastructure rollout to be at schools decision what it’s used for. Needs of school paramount.
o Teacher librarians central to development of a 21st century culture at school.
o Bring research community more into classroom.
o Practical “leadership” support – time, money – Internet use free.
o Shift in pedagogy must be strongly encouraged by leadership.
o I think that educating the leadership team about Web 2.0 learning potential is important.
o Modeling by school leadership not just advocating.
o Support from school executives that encourages teachers who want to change their pedagogy.
o Leadership teams who are informed and lead on these issues to put on the pressure.
o Leadership team should be aware of Web 2.0 potential and should model the use of these tools to staff and students.
o Principal and leaders’ full support.
o Leadership infrastructure in schools for supporting teachers in incorporating effective IT strategies in learning.
o School leadership support.
o Principal and leaders must do Web 2.0 e.g. blog, Twitter regularly.
o Leadership team should be more proactive about supporting/encouraging staff to take risks.
Time – 30 dots
o Meeting time devoted to trialing things such as blogs – staff meeting run as a blog?
o Giving staff more time to learn to use technology in order to implement it.
o Time to rethink curriculum and plan for changed methodology.
o Devoting sufficient, regular PD time to upskilling staff about Web 2.0 tools.
o Time tabling small groups within school to work together preparing work collaboratively.
o Time to be creative, innovative, share, collaborate.
o Time to learn the skills to feel confident to use within students in class.
o Improve teacher conditions – classroom ratio and time.
o Give time to teachers (change structures so PL is going on).
o Be realistic about what is achievable – don’t expect too much from people.
o Time allocated to allow teachers to observe the use of technology in other classrooms.
o Professional development of staff.
o Professional development in IT opportunities.
Students – 21 dots
o Listen to students – prior knowledge and their interests.
o First solution – put our students first.
o Listen – ask what do students want to know? – How do they want to find out?
o Allow students to solve their own problems.
o Staff acknowledging the capability of our students.
o A bringing of teachers to the realization that they do not need to know everything.
o Student forums where feedback is provided.
o Sharing student reflections on learning after particular classes to use as feedback on impact.
o Students force change.
o Focus on scaffolds for the student experience to ensure they can “properly” use the tools.
o Study study skills program.
o Have an area where the blog is displayed – make video about blog – YouTube – Inspire!
o Student mentors.
o Parent information nights run by students – view work.
o Students as mentors –for teachers and for other students – especially in EY.
o Students to present a movie trailer they made themselves.
o Encourage a session for students to teach teachers about Web 2.0. Teachers ask them the big questions.
o In some situations the students can become a teacher – let them show their teacher a Web 2.0 tool.
o Let the students be teachers – let them know you don’t have to know everything.
o Get the boys involved.
Assessment – 21 dots
o Open forum with SRC – How might best we learn?
o Open up curriculum planning to students, allowing them to choose the journey that reaches the outcome.
o Problem: A disconnect between the value of ICT as life skills and ICT as skills useful for academic success. Solution: Schools need to clearly articulate their need for developing strong student ICT skills within a broader policy statement about learning.
o Developing assessment tools which incorporate/address the new technologies.
o Separate assessment from enjoyment (from time to time…)
o Shift the focus of final school exams to allow monitoring of 21st century skills and higher order thinking not just recount/recall/rote learning.
o Problem: ICT skills undervalued in assessment regimes at senior secondary level. Solution: A significant proportion of examples be designated as open books/open computer exams – i.e. kids can bring to bear whatever online resources they wish to solve problems posed.
o Some way to showcase, acknowledge, exhibit the great things that are happening at school.
o Learning should not be so assessment-driven – it is the process.
o Use of Web 2.0 and other collaborative tools needs to be part of school/curriculum focus.
o Evidence of effective practice – not just anecdotal.
o Breaking assessment tasks into chunks and using a blog post or reflective comment as a way to communicate.
Parents – 13 dots
o Develop as much parent involvement as possible – give them workshops, get them working in classes, communicate constantly using the tools.
o Provide assurances to parents of the safety in controlled use of technology – e.g. restricted access.
o Include interested parents in the development process.
o Parents being involved in class blogging – in class, home.
o Parent education about what learning opportunities can exist in Facebook, PLN, etc.
o Focus to allow access for parents to familiarize themselves with schoolwork and support students and teachers.
o Engage parents/community in critical conversations.
o Have a forum to showcase Web 2.0 projects and how they’ve worked – to show parents and staff.
o Introduce parents to Web, Ning, electronic newsletter, etc.
o Parental involvement – e.g. joining in Nings, commenting on blogs.
o Educate parents about relevance of keeping up/staying ahead of student learning (with technology).
o Regular parent information sessions/workshops.
o Parent info nights on computer. 21st century benefits.
o Parent buy-in: bringing them into the school for a half-day experience.
o Demonstrate the meaningful aspect of the technology to students/staff/parents (what’s real to them).
Budget – 6 dots
o Value education through decent funding.
o Better allocation of computers at school – perhaps move away from labs. So often, it would be great to have one or two computers in the classroom.
o ICT support across the school – to engender confidence.
o More funding from government re: resources, Internet access.
o Have an innovation budget in every school related to school size but with a good-sized base.
o Increased funding to improve hardware quality and availability.
o Equal access to technology for all students at school and at home.
o Re-jigging Internet access arrangement so students do not run out of credit so quickly.
o Better access for students – their Internet credits!
o Adequate budget for ICT/resources.
o New computers and unlimited Internet access for students.
o Problem (on the whole) teachers are not learners. Need cultural change: Cannot be mandated – need strategy – teacher training selection – modeling, etc.
o Share excitement and celebrate success. Enthusiasm is contagious!
o Get rid of “pay-packet” teachers.
o More flexible delivery of PD to staff before/after/during school as well as online.
o Tech support staff – helping others through change.
o Negotiated collaborative planning.
o More really practical, hands-on, fun PD for staff.
o Teachers need to be encouraged/supported to try new things and to take risks.
o Computer centre support staff – awareness of needs of teachers – support and empathy.
o Sharing ideas/templates that worked with classes within faculties, across year levels.
o Work with critical few and gradually grow.
o Peer mentor model – work with the staff that will “fly” first. Have it filter through.
o Demonstrate existing uses and create a discussion.
o A “specific” learning plan for teachers to encourage or discourage the “feeling – it’s too hard” – reduce fear.
o Better use of meeting times – showcase – hands on.
o Use tools with techs for teacher communication etc. When staff are using tools themselves they begin to see uses.
o Inspirational leadership.
o Making PD available.
o Increase usage within communication between staff to give feedback.
o SLAV PD for all teachers not just teacher librarians.
o Make staff meetings less about housekeeping and more productive.
o Show staff the power of forming PLNs (assuming that they want to be lifelong learners).
o Facilitate connections for teachers – work with them to enact this with their class.
o Open teachers’ eyes to what it’s like to be a student today.
o Grouping of teachers in ways that those who “don’t know” can learn from those that “do know.”
o Remove the photocopiers for a week.
o Teachers who “create” should model for teachers who are “afraid” of changing their teacher practice.
o Staff need to be shown specific examples of how 21st century skills can be used in their teaching.
o Commitment from those who can use ICT to enhance learning, to sharing it with others.
o Develop a model – PBL Research.
o Trust model.
o Mentoring staff (those who are proficient assisting the new).
o A sense of workshops for students – staff introducing Web 2.0 tools – lunch time?
o Mentor programs school support teachers who are motivated and willing to make change.
o An understanding of why communication and collaboration are essential.
o Staff mentors – ICT support.
o Factor PD into the working day – have teachers allocated time together to learn new ways.
o Staff meeting support on a regular basis focusing on teaching technology and using technology.
o ICT coaches on staff that are teachers.
o Having ready support for staff with regards to software and IT.
o Individual staff ICT learning plans.
o Implementation of ICT goals for all staff.
o Mentor a staff member – pal up people with the aim of making inroads to change.
o Make it compulsory for teachers to have done a project every year – no fence sitting.
o First three student free days in government schools – one to be total immersion day in 21st century tools.
o Mentoring programs for willing and enthusiastic staff.
o Teachers sharing stories.
o Acknowledgement/appreciation of teachers who are out there trying things to improve the learning experience for their students.
o Educate staff about value of owning a reputable digital footprint.
o Web 2.0 sandpit idea – develop.
o Promotion of achievements so far through movie teacher concept at staff meetings.
o Investigating value of 21st century tools and promoting awareness of the value – interaction, sharing knowledge, wider audience.
o Teachers sharing practice, ideas, resources and classes.
o Introducing a share, show and tell section to meetings – all ported on blog – rotated through staff.
o Open reflection on practice and learning.
o Open source approach to resources and ideas.
o Individuals mentoring colleagues one-to-one.
o Educating staff with working examples.
o Reward teachers for innovation – money, time, kudos.
o Reward teachers for inservicing others – money, time, kudos.
o Accountability continuum of teacher practice.
o Providing access via number and means – email hardcopy interesting / stimulating articles / video present, etc.
o Demystify Web 2.0 in a user-friendly way.
o Innovative, inspiring (but practical) speakers who challenge schools/teachers.
o Demo of 20th century class. Demo of 21st century class – differences, similarities.
o Education – show reluctant teachers the power of ICT.
o Sharing in school – e.g. time in staff meetings.
o Small steps in implementation – run with one idea and expand on it later.
o Strategically attack key people in your school and bring them on board.
o PD in why we need to use these skills in classrooms.
o Start small and model what we want to happen – mentoring in school projects with deadlines.
o School (teachers and students) “Yellow Pages” – Who do I go to if I need help with Blogger, PictureTrail, animoto, etc.
o Informal PD with “buddy.”
o Teacher buddies – skilled teachers mixed with reluctants.
Curriculum – 47 dots
o Start small – have a focus of something to learn and then use – build.
o Mentoring/modeling team support for understanding pedagogy.
o Each faculty needs to demonstrate the application of new technology within their curriculum.
o Requirement of teachers to have certain skill level.
o Sharing of effective practices.
o Start with preschool and keep contacts open between primary and secondary.
o Make politicians listen to educators.
o Consider the end product needed. Stop letting the “curriculum” at the top dictate the work lower down.
o Integration of 21st century learning skills into the skills area of the new curriculum.
o Formalizing assessment – developing rubrics, incorporating 21st century tools competency into reporting.
o Remodel curriculum – start with one unit – teach it using new ideas/tools – fashion change for others.
o Staff project.
o Changing curriculum structures and measures.
o Focus on student-centered learning to assist technology and teacher.
o Having syllabi that promote collaboration.
o One unit each subject must be delivered using collaborative approaches.
o Ask school community for ideas and solutions, involve in conversation.
o Negotiation and collaboration in all curriculum documents.
o Curriculum values skills: Problem solving, collaboration, PLN, online…
o Set innovation and 21st century teacher as a top five priority in schools’ action plans.
o Set up a new school based on connectedness (Web 2.0 stuff) take a cohort to year 2 and smash all other schools in exam results.
o Whole school Web 2.0 project that’s meaningful – learn as you go.
o Online scaffolds built into learning activities.
o Solution – immersion days for year 7’s on various tools.
o Curriculum program area (CPA) plans.
o Use Web 2.0 tools in curriculum planning – integrate into what already happens.
o Whole year level planning.
Culture – 38 dots
o Encourage play.
o An openness by teachers and parents to change from “traditional” education.
o Don’t give up! Be consistent.
o Use existing knowledge – promote confidence – e.g. INTEL.
o Implementing strategies that “change the culture” holistically within a school.
o Publicize successful programmes within school / between schools.
o Support innovators in any possible way.
o Value creativity.
o Expectations of all teachers being learners – from the school admin and follow-up.
o Continue to evangelise.
o Develop a PD model that is flexible, well planned and has enough momentum to go across all subjects and highlight it as the most amazing thing ever!
o Work on developing a culture of “collective will.”
o Stop making separate classrooms.
o People who network should make their learning practice transparent.
o Change the focus of the school leadership to value these educational changes.
o Change culture to embed the use of ICT as a core principle of effective teachers not just a fad.
o Teachers sharing best practise.
o Allow for failures/problems as part of process.
o Lead by example! Model – Share – Reflect – Refine.
o A concerted approach from teachers to use ICT/Web 2.0 to bring their teaching into 21st century.
o Build a PLN.
o Too hard to change “them” – How do we make “them” “us” ? – us + us?
o I don’t know how to change the mindset of fellow staff.
o Be aware teachers are at different places with tech use: mentor each other, reassure.
o Provide a point for reflection support/acknowledgement of work done – e.g. ning.
o Accountability.
o PD
o Schools sharing projects.
o Problem: Real blockers or excuses? E.g. time, resources, too hard, tried it…We need to lower the bar for entry level e.g. 23 things, learning 2.0 type program.
o Support/encourage what is happening now – will happen.
o Willingness to explore, try, keep an open mind to new developments and directions.
o Give staff some time each week so they can be taught a web 2.0 tool.
o Presentations at staff meetings.
o Bringing in inspiring speakers/presenters who use Web tools as part of their teaching.
o Teachers moving away from lessons that focus on transmission learning (traditional). If they know it all then vary the strategy in order to create a student centered learning environment.
Administration – 31 dots
o A carefully developed Internet access policy which recognizes the educational value and need of some sites usually blocked.
o Admin to value teacher learning not costing it.
o Schools to value independent thinking skills in students and stop spoon-feeding for A’s.
o Admin offers support through action – time, money, talk…
o Doubling of ICT support staff.
o Support from admin in terms of time for mentoring.
o Free up curriculum.
o Paper free week.
o Set up structures shared by the enthusiastic, to ensure resources are maintained/organized for use. Use groups – share responsibilities rather than one person responsible for whole job.
o Open filtering and free Internet.
o Government gets on board to properly support technology in all schools.
o Infrastructure rollout to be at schools decision what it’s used for. Needs of school paramount.
o Teacher librarians central to development of a 21st century culture at school.
o Bring research community more into classroom.
o Practical “leadership” support – time, money – Internet use free.
o Shift in pedagogy must be strongly encouraged by leadership.
o I think that educating the leadership team about Web 2.0 learning potential is important.
o Modeling by school leadership not just advocating.
o Support from school executives that encourages teachers who want to change their pedagogy.
o Leadership teams who are informed and lead on these issues to put on the pressure.
o Leadership team should be aware of Web 2.0 potential and should model the use of these tools to staff and students.
o Principal and leaders’ full support.
o Leadership infrastructure in schools for supporting teachers in incorporating effective IT strategies in learning.
o School leadership support.
o Principal and leaders must do Web 2.0 e.g. blog, Twitter regularly.
o Leadership team should be more proactive about supporting/encouraging staff to take risks.
Time – 30 dots
o Meeting time devoted to trialing things such as blogs – staff meeting run as a blog?
o Giving staff more time to learn to use technology in order to implement it.
o Time to rethink curriculum and plan for changed methodology.
o Devoting sufficient, regular PD time to upskilling staff about Web 2.0 tools.
o Time tabling small groups within school to work together preparing work collaboratively.
o Time to be creative, innovative, share, collaborate.
o Time to learn the skills to feel confident to use within students in class.
o Improve teacher conditions – classroom ratio and time.
o Give time to teachers (change structures so PL is going on).
o Be realistic about what is achievable – don’t expect too much from people.
o Time allocated to allow teachers to observe the use of technology in other classrooms.
o Professional development of staff.
o Professional development in IT opportunities.
Students – 21 dots
o Listen to students – prior knowledge and their interests.
o First solution – put our students first.
o Listen – ask what do students want to know? – How do they want to find out?
o Allow students to solve their own problems.
o Staff acknowledging the capability of our students.
o A bringing of teachers to the realization that they do not need to know everything.
o Student forums where feedback is provided.
o Sharing student reflections on learning after particular classes to use as feedback on impact.
o Students force change.
o Focus on scaffolds for the student experience to ensure they can “properly” use the tools.
o Study study skills program.
o Have an area where the blog is displayed – make video about blog – YouTube – Inspire!
o Student mentors.
o Parent information nights run by students – view work.
o Students as mentors –for teachers and for other students – especially in EY.
o Students to present a movie trailer they made themselves.
o Encourage a session for students to teach teachers about Web 2.0. Teachers ask them the big questions.
o In some situations the students can become a teacher – let them show their teacher a Web 2.0 tool.
o Let the students be teachers – let them know you don’t have to know everything.
o Get the boys involved.
Assessment – 21 dots
o Open forum with SRC – How might best we learn?
o Open up curriculum planning to students, allowing them to choose the journey that reaches the outcome.
o Problem: A disconnect between the value of ICT as life skills and ICT as skills useful for academic success. Solution: Schools need to clearly articulate their need for developing strong student ICT skills within a broader policy statement about learning.
o Developing assessment tools which incorporate/address the new technologies.
o Separate assessment from enjoyment (from time to time…)
o Shift the focus of final school exams to allow monitoring of 21st century skills and higher order thinking not just recount/recall/rote learning.
o Problem: ICT skills undervalued in assessment regimes at senior secondary level. Solution: A significant proportion of examples be designated as open books/open computer exams – i.e. kids can bring to bear whatever online resources they wish to solve problems posed.
o Some way to showcase, acknowledge, exhibit the great things that are happening at school.
o Learning should not be so assessment-driven – it is the process.
o Use of Web 2.0 and other collaborative tools needs to be part of school/curriculum focus.
o Evidence of effective practice – not just anecdotal.
o Breaking assessment tasks into chunks and using a blog post or reflective comment as a way to communicate.
Parents – 13 dots
o Develop as much parent involvement as possible – give them workshops, get them working in classes, communicate constantly using the tools.
o Provide assurances to parents of the safety in controlled use of technology – e.g. restricted access.
o Include interested parents in the development process.
o Parents being involved in class blogging – in class, home.
o Parent education about what learning opportunities can exist in Facebook, PLN, etc.
o Focus to allow access for parents to familiarize themselves with schoolwork and support students and teachers.
o Engage parents/community in critical conversations.
o Have a forum to showcase Web 2.0 projects and how they’ve worked – to show parents and staff.
o Introduce parents to Web, Ning, electronic newsletter, etc.
o Parental involvement – e.g. joining in Nings, commenting on blogs.
o Educate parents about relevance of keeping up/staying ahead of student learning (with technology).
o Regular parent information sessions/workshops.
o Parent info nights on computer. 21st century benefits.
o Parent buy-in: bringing them into the school for a half-day experience.
o Demonstrate the meaningful aspect of the technology to students/staff/parents (what’s real to them).
Budget – 6 dots
o Value education through decent funding.
o Better allocation of computers at school – perhaps move away from labs. So often, it would be great to have one or two computers in the classroom.
o ICT support across the school – to engender confidence.
o More funding from government re: resources, Internet access.
o Have an innovation budget in every school related to school size but with a good-sized base.
o Increased funding to improve hardware quality and availability.
o Equal access to technology for all students at school and at home.
o Re-jigging Internet access arrangement so students do not run out of credit so quickly.
o Better access for students – their Internet credits!
o Adequate budget for ICT/resources.
o New computers and unlimited Internet access for students.